Expo 2020 Dubai: Cisco to provide high-speed wifi coverage

Expo 2020 Dubai is deploying Cisco’s wifi technology ensuring fast and secure wireless connections throughout the 4.38 square kilometer site.

Cisco was picked as the Expo’s Official Premier Digital Network Partner earlier this year.

As part of that deal, Cisco has already deployed its intent-based network across the site. In addition to the widespread deployment of Cisco Wi-Fi, the company’s Wi-Fi 6 technology has been selected for use in specific areas, to provide stable wireless network connections.

More than 9,000 access points are being deployed across the site for blanket wifi coverage.

Around 400 of the access points deployed by Cisco are specifically designed for Wi-Fi 6 connectivity. To date, approximately 70 per cent of Wi-Fi 6 deployment has been completed, with frequent testing undertaken to collect and analyze data and optimize network performance.

Cisco’s Wi-Fi 6 technology is also ensuring compliance with data privacy and protection requirements, particularly in areas requiring high bandwidth, such as Expo 2020 Dubai’s Media Centre and Event Operations Centre.

In a statement issued by Cisco, the company said that its high speed and low latency Wi-Fi 6 network “enables secure endpoint protection, while delivering up to four times faster speed than the previous wireless industry standard. The company’s technology also helps improve battery efficiency for smartphones, personal computing and IoT devices, when compared with conventional Wi-Fi networks.”

It added that Wi-Fi 6 is WPA3 certified, and ensures enhanced open Wi-Fi network security through encryption of unauthenticated traffic, protection against cyber threats, and superior reliability for sensitive data.

“As we prepare to welcome millions of visitors, we are working closely with strategic partners such as Cisco to ensure that Expo 2020 will be one of the smartest, fastest and most connected places on earth, ensuring an exceptional experience for visitors and continuing to provide world-class digital connectivity when Expo transitions into District 2020 – a model for future smart cities,” said Mohammed Alhashmi, chief technology officer at Expo 2020 Dubai.

Cisco will assume the management of Expo 2020’s entire IP networking infrastructure across all Thematic Districts and pavilions, parks and arrival plazas, in addition to Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC), which will be co-located at the Expo site.

Read: Cisco to operate, manage and maintain Expo 2020 Dubai IT network